The 12-12-12 Ministry Toolbox, aired on Dec. 12, 2012, featured several local religious leaders and teachers. Contributing speakers developed videos on a certain topic in ministry, and video clips were played throughout the day. The goal for the 12-12-12 Ministry Toolbox was for these resources to be available for churches to use in sermons, discussions, or Bible studies. Church of God leaders envisioned a program where schools that were sponsored by the church could participate in designing part of the overall project.

Participants from the Department of Religious Studies included Dr. Shane Kirkpatrick, Dr. Willard Reed, and Dr. Merle Strege, and School of Theology participants included Dr. James Lewis and Dr. Kimberly Majeski.

The 12-12-12 Ministry Toolbox is a continuation of a similar program started last year for 11-11-11. When the Church of God called upon the faculty to take part in their ministry project, the professors quickly acted on the opportunity.

“12-12-12 Ministry Toolbox is an educational project. As professors, we want to take every opportunity to educate others. The 12-12-12 project allows for us not only to educate, but to educate audiences that we do not normally have the opportunity to connect with,” said Kirkpatrick.

Kirkpatrick created a video that focused specifically on the translation of the Bible. “Through observations and discussions, we have realized that many students here at AU, even Christians who have grown up knowing the Bible, have lots of questions concerning the translations of the Bible,” said Kirkpatrick. “In this video, I discussed the history of the Bible, the various versions of the Bible, and how translations get made. It is my hope that by understanding the translations, others will be able to better understand the Bible.”

Being part of the Church of God’s ministry program directly correlates to the goals and mission of Anderson University.

“This project is a great representation of the opportunities that come with being a church-affiliated college. We are able to cooperate and live out our mutual mission,” said Kirkpatrick.

As the Church of God historian, Strege focused on highlighting critical issues and moments from Church of God’s history. Reed worked as the producer for both of thee video segments.

Being part of the 12-12-12 Ministry Toolbox allows for the professors to reach additional audiences and grow in service. “I am always happy to be part of the projects of my colleagues, who I very much respect,” says Strege. “For as long as I have taught at AU, I have tried to take every opportunity to give to the church, and the 12-12-12 Ministry Toolbox was the perfect opportunity.”

— Kimberly Werline is a senior from Anderson, Ind., majoring in communication arts. Werline is an associate with Fifth Street Communications®, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.